Indianapolis Newborn Photographer | Raw Sugar Photography
I love most parts of my job, I love meeting new people, building relationships, cuddling babies, taking pictures, and all that good stuff, but one thing I don’t enjoy, is telling people “no.” However, sometimes it’s necessary, and I’ve learned that it’s OK. Really, it’s ok to say no, people. I recently had a very good client contact me about newborn pictures, and as usual, I was super excited. But, then. Then, she sent me her Pinterest inspiration. Don’t get me wrong, I love Pinterest, and I love creating images that are special to my client, but sometimes it just doesn’t mesh well with my brand. In this particular instance, my client wanted an all outdoor posed newborn session. Gorgeous, right? Yes, but totally not my style. There are several photographers out there who do this, and do it so well, that I just thought it would be best to refer her to someone that would better suit her needs. It was hard. So hard. I REALLY like this client, and sending her to someone else was not something I wanted to do, but it was the best decision for us both. Now, she’ll get the images she really wants, and I have room on my schedule for a client that wants my style. So, here are some factors in deciding if we’re the right fit:
Style. I touched on this above. I know as clients, you don’t see things from our perspective, and I TOTALLY, 110% get that. My client thought “hey, she’s a newborn photographer, these are newborn pictures, how different is it?” But, I urge clients to look at it like clothes shopping – you’re not going to go to J. Crew and ask if they have something similar to Anthropologie, or go to Express and ask if they have Banana Republic, of course, they all sell women’s clothing, but the styles are completely different. It’s the same idea. So, be sure to check out potential photographers beforehand, look at their galleries, check out their blogs, is this what you want your photographs to look like? If so, awesome, hire them! If not, that’s ok, move on. Now, the last thing I want to do is to discourage my clients from coming to me with ideas. I am more than happy to accommodate a special request – you want a picture with Grandma’s pearls? Done. You want your baby wrapped in your wedding veil? Of course. You want a picture of your baby with a football? Absolutely! You want your baby in a crocheted bumble bee costume (it happens?) Let’s do it. But, when your vision (or Pinterest board) looks nothing like anything close to what you’ve seen of my work, then please ask me for a recommendation. I have many colleagues in this business who do amazing work, and I am happy to help you find what you are looking for.
Price. This is a big one. I know I’m not in everyone’s budget, and I don’t strive to be. Photography is not a “need,” it’s a luxury, so if it’s something you really want I think you’ll make it work. Value is subjective, some clients think I’m a bargain, and others do payment plans to afford my packages, and just because *I* think I’m worth what I charge, it doesn’t mean you have to. I compare it a lot to car shopping. I *could* afford a Lexus if it was of real value to me, I could save up, kick my Starbucks and Cadbury egg habit, and make it happen, but cars just aren’t of great value to me, I’m happy to drive a middle-of-the-road reliable Honda. However, you won’t catch me wearing GAP jeans, because damn, designer jeans make your butt look SO much better. I will gladly save my pennies for them, because it’s of value to me. I’m not one to justify my pricing, it’s insulting to me and to you, so if my sessions just aren’t in your range, that’s cool, I’m happy to refer you. However, I really urge you not to make price your number one priority. Find a style you like and then decide if you can make it work, I am always happy to work with my clients on payment plans.
Logistics. Sometimes things don’t work out because of location or timing or other factors. I shoot all posed newborn sessions on Wednesday mornings in my centrally located Indianapolis studio. I’m not willing to travel to homes anymore with all of my props and gear. There are photographers that offer that, and I do understand the appeal. You just had a baby, the last thing you want to do is get dressed, hop in the car with a newborn, and drive to my studio. I get it. But, I promise you, the results are worth it. My studio is set up just right for newborns, I have all the props and accessories you could ever want at your fingertips, the lighting is perfect, the temperature is perfect, and I have a comfy couch for you to take a nap. I find it to be less stressful for parents. However, you may be dead set on a weekend session at 4pm in your home, I guarantee there’s a photographer out there for you.
Even though I have only been doing this for 4 years, I feel like I have gotten to a place where I know my boundaries, and it’s a good feeling. I’m always working to improve my technical skills, my posing, my editing, my business management… but, I’m happy where I’m at with my brand and my vision. If you think Raw Sugar Photography is what you’re looking for, feel free to click on that “book now” button above. 😉
Raw Sugar Photography specializes in newborn, baby, maternity, child, family, couples, and engagement photography in Indianapolis, Indiana and surrounding areas, including but not limited to, Fishers and Carmel.